Reagent Bottle Stopper Control to Prevent Analyzer Reagent Mix-Ups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face issues with incorrect removal of system reagents, leading to measurement interruptions and increased time to obtain analysis results, and require unnecessary covers that complicate the reagent installation unit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stopper on the reagent aspiration nozzle's movement path to prevent incorrect insertion and removal of reagents, combined with an RFID system to verify reagent type and control the stopper's operation, ensuring correct reagent installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analysis devices are connected in parallel to analyze different analytes simultaneously, then analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analysis devices that would normally operate in parallel into a single integrated device. The flow cell contains multiple reaction chambers that can simultaneously analyze different analytes, while sharing common fluidic pathways, optical components, and control systems. This merging approach maintains the versatility of analyzing multiple analytes while reducing overall device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated analysis device is designed with multi-functional capabilities where a single device can perform multiple types of analyses. The flow cell structure allows different reaction chambers to handle different analytes (e.g., glucose, lactate, ketone bodies) using the same fundamental measurement principles, making the device universal rather than specialized for a single function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analysis devices are connected in parallel to analyze different analytes simultaneously, then analysis capability is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple reaction chambers are arranged within a single flow cell housing. The chambers are positioned in a compact, space-efficient manner, with some chambers potentially arranged in stacked or layered configurations. This nesting approach allows multiple analysis functions to coexist in a minimized physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional parallel arrangement of separate devices to a three-dimensional integrated structure. Multiple reaction chambers are arranged in vertical stacks or layered configurations within the flow cell, utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) to pack multiple analysis functions into a compact footprint, thereby reducing the device's planar area.
3Reliability
If conventional analysis devices are used, then device complexity is low, but bacterial contamination cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the function of preventing bacterial contamination from the main analysis device by implementing a disposable flow cell that is pre-sterilized. The sterilization barrier is separated as a distinct, replaceable component rather than being integrated into the permanent device structure. This allows the contamination prevention function to be provided without permanently complicating the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable flow cell that is pre-sterilized and discarded after use. This disposable component provides reliable contamination prevention without requiring complex sterilization systems in the permanent device. The flow cell is manufactured with built-in sterilization (e.g., gamma irradiation) and is replaced for each analysis session, ensuring reliability while keeping the permanent device relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents misplacement and incorrect removal of reagents, simplifies the reagent installation unit, and reduces user burden by automating reagent verification and control, thereby ensuring stable and efficient specimen analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a flow cell that separates blood into plasma and blood cells
Implementation Method 2
a first reagent solution containing a first enzyme that reacts with glucose
Implementation Method 3
a second reagent solution containing a second enzyme that reacts with lactate
Implementation Method 4
an optical detector to detect an analyte in the liquid sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An automatic analyzer 1 includes a reagent bottle installation unit 200 that installs a reagent bottle 301 containing a reagent used for analysis; a nozzle unit 210 that couples a supply flow path 220 that connects a location where the reagent is used and the inside of the reagent bottle 301 installed in the reagent bottle installation unit 200 to the reagent bottle 301; and a stopper 202 that is disposed on the movement path of a reagent aspiration nozzle 400 of the nozzle unit 210 and prevents the reagent aspiration nozzle 400 from being inserted into the reagent bottle 301. This automatic analyzer realizes the prevention of misplacement of reagent types and the prevention of removal of the reagents at the incorrect timing with less space and constituent components.